Summer yoga workouts win over Leyden football players

When Leyden assistant football coach Michael Anderson introduced weekly yoga workouts to the team this summer, some of the players reacted with skepticism. Fredrickson, a senior wide receiver and free safety, had already appreciated the value of yoga during one of his physical education classes taught by Anderson.

"I knew what to expect," Fredrickson said. "A lot of guys on the football team made fun of yoga when they heard we were getting into it (this summer), but they were sweating when we did it."

Leyden football coach Tom Cerasani, whose wife encouraged him to start yoga 12 years ago, was pleased with how the team responded to a workout routine that was new to many players.

"Coach Anderson is the on the cutting edge of fitness," Cerasani said. "We kind of talked about the idea of doing it with the kids, so we finally did it this summer. It helped us work on balance, core, flexibility and strength. It was great for the kids. They kind of got into it. It was cool to see."

The Eagles quickly converted into fans of the holistic approach that seeks to unite the body and mind in harmony. Many NFL and college football teams have added yoga to their team workouts.

"I started getting into yoga a few years ago and implementing it into my physical education program at Leyden, and I found out that it was pretty well received," Anderson said. "So much of what any student-athlete does is so physically demanding whether on the field or lifting weights, it's taxing on the central nervous system. With yoga, it enables you to still get a workout while working on balance, coordination and other stuff. Part of the team was like, 'We're doing something only girls do.' Some bought in early. It was kind of amazing when you get 45 kids on the same page doing the same thing."

Cerasani and Fredrickson said yoga would help the team in ways beyond the physical benefits.

"The whole mindfulness idea is something we are trying to incorporate at Leyden High School. It's good for the kids to try new things and open their minds up," Cerasani said. "We have an exceptional group of kids this year, and they are senior-heavy and they trust us."

Fredrickson said the Eagles, who have not made the playoffs since going 7-3 in 2012, have become closer during the summer, partly due to yoga.

"It's a great way to gaining flexibility and balance and really pays off on the field," Fredrickson said. "I also think it definitely builds our team and gives us great camaraderie and everybody's enjoying it, having fun and it's a great workout."